Even though there was discussion about lowering the number of Canadian starters – the owners actually proposed getting rid of the ratio entirely – seven nationals will be required on game day rosters throughout the course of the three-year collective bargaining agreement, per sources.
Seven of the 24 starters on offence and defence must be nationals, part of the 21 non-imports on the 44-man game day roster.
Last time the ratio dropped came after the American expansion teams folded and the number of Canadian starters went from 10 to seven.
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